September 30, 2008
9:38 PM | 
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Have I mentioned that I 0nly have 77 days until graduation?
Only 5 more tests,
2 more finals,
1 paper,
1 presentation,
2 case studies,
11 more days of clinical,
and it will all be over.
Would I do it again? No way!
Am I glad I did? Absolutely, it is my calling.
In 77 days I will bid farewell to many friends, instructors and textbooks.
Not too many days after that I will enter the work force for the first time (full time) in 11 years.
I finally figured out what I wanted to be when I grow up, a nurse!
Only 5 more tests,
2 more finals,
1 paper,
1 presentation,
2 case studies,
11 more days of clinical,
and it will all be over.
Would I do it again? No way!
Am I glad I did? Absolutely, it is my calling.
In 77 days I will bid farewell to many friends, instructors and textbooks.
Not too many days after that I will enter the work force for the first time (full time) in 11 years.
I finally figured out what I wanted to be when I grow up, a nurse!
September 29, 2008
8:07 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Funnies from Wyatt today:
Sitting on the porch waiting on Sellers bus:
Wyatt: Mom when I grow up I want to be a fireman
Mom: That would be nice you could put out fires and save people
pause to think
Wyatt: I want to be a fireman when I grow up
Mom: When will you be grown up?
Wyatt: (pauses for a moment to think )Um, Tuesday. Is today Friday?
Mom: Today is Monday. Oh so you'll be grown up by Tuesday?
Wyatt: yeah
Out of the blue he starting saying this tonight when it starting getting dark.
Mom, is it dark enough for Christmas?
Not once, but many times he has asked this. Apparently I am not explaining well enough that Christmas is a while off.
Sitting on the porch waiting on Sellers bus:
Wyatt: Mom when I grow up I want to be a fireman
Mom: That would be nice you could put out fires and save people
pause to think
Wyatt: I want to be a fireman when I grow up
Mom: When will you be grown up?
Wyatt: (pauses for a moment to think )Um, Tuesday. Is today Friday?
Mom: Today is Monday. Oh so you'll be grown up by Tuesday?
Wyatt: yeah
Out of the blue he starting saying this tonight when it starting getting dark.
Mom, is it dark enough for Christmas?
Not once, but many times he has asked this. Apparently I am not explaining well enough that Christmas is a while off.
September 28, 2008
9:46 AM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Taking advantage of being out of town with no kiddos, John and I decided to go see this movie. I would encourage everyone to go see it. Some of the acting is not great but the message is awesome. Kirk Cameron plays a firefighter who is about to get divorced and his dad challenges him to the Love Dare to save his marriage. I won't spoil any of the movie because I hope you will go see it. And Ladies, if you had a crush on Kirk Cameron during his Growing Pains days he is still just as adorable! Go see this movie, it may just teach you how to "fireproof" your marriage!September 24, 2008
9:41 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
I try hard not to buy anything for our girl. In reality we could be many years from bringing her home but sometimes I just can't help it. The other day I was at Target and they had on clearance a cabbage patch newborn doll with almond eyes. I couldn't resist. You can imagine how hard it is to find a Asian baby doll. So I went ahead and bought it, hoping I wasn't jinxing myself and brought it home. For now I keep it by my bed, one day I will put it in my closet with all her other things I couldn't resist and one day I will place it in her arms.
I have noticed lately on some of the blogs that I read that they put st*rs in place of letters, does anyone know why they do this?
I have noticed lately on some of the blogs that I read that they put st*rs in place of letters, does anyone know why they do this?
9:34 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Mason gradually started a ritual of putting things in his crib before he went to bed at night.
First it started with a book.
Next, a few books.
Occasionally he would throw in a toy.
Tonight he wanted to put in a box of books, a doll, and a big ball blowing toy. I had to draw the line. No big ball blowing toy. How could you possibly get a good nights rest with that thing in there? This toy is almost as big as he is!
The difference in a boy vs a girl and a doll: (well at least my boy)
Girl: cradles it, rocks it, feeds it, dresses it, loves it!
Boy: bangs its head on the floor, throws it in the tub, squeezes it to death!
First it started with a book.
Next, a few books.
Occasionally he would throw in a toy.
Tonight he wanted to put in a box of books, a doll, and a big ball blowing toy. I had to draw the line. No big ball blowing toy. How could you possibly get a good nights rest with that thing in there? This toy is almost as big as he is!
The difference in a boy vs a girl and a doll: (well at least my boy)
Girl: cradles it, rocks it, feeds it, dresses it, loves it!
Boy: bangs its head on the floor, throws it in the tub, squeezes it to death!
September 22, 2008
8:32 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Setting: 8am Closet in master bedroom
Wyatt: mom, you look like a princess (with the cutest grin on his face)
Mom: I do? Well thank you Wyatt that is so sweet.
Wyatt: When you drop me off at Sunday School I want you to be the one to pick me up.
Mom: Why?
Wyatt: 'Cause you look like a princess
Mom: OK of course I'll pick you up.
Wyatt, thanks for the boost of confidence just when I needed it.
Wyatt: mom, you look like a princess (with the cutest grin on his face)
Mom: I do? Well thank you Wyatt that is so sweet.
Wyatt: When you drop me off at Sunday School I want you to be the one to pick me up.
Mom: Why?
Wyatt: 'Cause you look like a princess
Mom: OK of course I'll pick you up.
Wyatt, thanks for the boost of confidence just when I needed it.
September 18, 2008
9:32 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
We do not have good luck with our pets. This time I really thought we had picked the right one. But tonight we discovered Luke had passed away in his cage. The tears came, then the questions why. I do not have an answer. I do not know why a guinea pig would die. We fed him. We kept clean water. We did everything they said to. We held him and played with him. My sons heart is sad tonight. He kept crying and saying "I don't even have a picture of him". I wish now I had tried harder to get a picture of him that day. Something to remind him of Luke. He has already asked me for another pet. What am I going to do?
September 17, 2008
4:55 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
This morning I had a long commute to clinical at 6am. It is long to me because it is 45 minutes to Providence downtown from the sticks in Lexington. Part of me dreaded it but actually it is me time. Rarely do I get to ride in the car and listen to my music or not have to listen to the boys. So this morning I drug out my old CD's, you know,the ones I haven't bothered to listen to since I got and ipod and have been too lazy to download into it. I selected an Allison Krauss CD and went on my way in the dark to clinical. I flipped through the tracks quickly looking for a song I thought was on that CD but wasn't. When I hit track 11 I let it play for some reason, I was only partly listening to the song when the lyrics caught my attention. I hit repeat and listened to it over and over until I reached the parking lot. I felt like the song was speaking to me, here are the words of the chorus...
I'd rather be in the palm of your hand
though rich or poor I may be
Faith can see right through the circumstance
sees the forest in spite of the tree
your Grace provides for me
I don't know Allison Krauss or whether this song has some secret meaning but for me it is simple. It spoke to me about things I have been hearing from God for a long time, he just keeps trying to get my attention. OK God, I am listening and will keep on praying.
I'd rather be in the palm of your hand
though rich or poor I may be
Faith can see right through the circumstance
sees the forest in spite of the tree
your Grace provides for me
I don't know Allison Krauss or whether this song has some secret meaning but for me it is simple. It spoke to me about things I have been hearing from God for a long time, he just keeps trying to get my attention. OK God, I am listening and will keep on praying.
September 16, 2008
5:07 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
It is so amusing the names children come up with to call #2. Mason has won the award for the most original. He simply call it "T". He will run to you pointing to his hiney and say "T". No idea where it came from but definitely unique. What about your child, do they have a neat name for #2?
Oh come on, my child can't be the only one....
Oh come on, my child can't be the only one....
4:58 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Today I use my blog just to say Thank You. Thank You to our parents who pick our babies up three days a week and watch them until we can pick them up. We truly appreciate you and all that you have done to support our decision for me to go back to school. We love you!
September 12, 2008
8:20 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Today two things dominate my mind.
1. I am sick of the presidential race! (yes, already) And unfortunately I am married to an avid news watcher.I would rather not watch continuous coverage for months on end about something I have already made my mind up about.
2. Why are companies allowed to price gauge gas to increase it by $2 a gallon in mere hours? I refused to buy any and my car will stay parked right here in my driveway until it's cheaper. Unless of course it doesn't go back to normal. I don't absolutely have to go anywhere until Tues.
Oh actually three things...
3. The 2 tests, paper, case study and two data tools I have to due by September 30th.
I guess I shouldn't be wasting time blogging........
1. I am sick of the presidential race! (yes, already) And unfortunately I am married to an avid news watcher.I would rather not watch continuous coverage for months on end about something I have already made my mind up about.
2. Why are companies allowed to price gauge gas to increase it by $2 a gallon in mere hours? I refused to buy any and my car will stay parked right here in my driveway until it's cheaper. Unless of course it doesn't go back to normal. I don't absolutely have to go anywhere until Tues.
Oh actually three things...
3. The 2 tests, paper, case study and two data tools I have to due by September 30th.
I guess I shouldn't be wasting time blogging........
September 11, 2008
10:18 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
There are days I feel that my brain cannot possibly hold anymore information. There are times when I study for hours and am not sure if I can remember anything. Is there a maximum capacity for the brain? Don't they say that humans only use a very small percentage of our brain? If that is true why can't I remember this stuff. Today I had too much in my head and I can tell because when Mason asked for his gaga (yes my nearly two year old still calls it gaga and actually has got us all calling it that, so he will probably not learn to say milk until he's 5-anyway) I poured him a cup of milk, left it on the counter and proceeded to take the whole gallon of milk to the table and set it down in front of him. Of course the boys thought that was just hilarious!
Lately I am forgetting a lot of things. I write them in my calendar but guess what? I forget to look in my calendar.
Lately I am forgetting a lot of things. I write them in my calendar but guess what? I forget to look in my calendar.
September 10, 2008
8:05 AM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
One of our boys, I won't name who here has developed an interest in girls. Here is a snippet of something he said to me that I thought was funny.
Child: Mom, there's this girl that always says hey to me at carpool. She says she know me from somewhere but I don't know where.
Mom: What's her name?
Child: I don't know.
Mom: Why don't you go up to her and ask her, her name and where she knows you from.
Child: I can't do that. Mom, these days girls travel in packs. You can't just walk up to one and talk to her. She's in a pack. (that just cracked me up!).
Then he went on to tell me about how Zack Efron in High School Musical said yada, yada, yada.
I hear about these kind of movie stories frequently. Honestly I tune them out. Who cares what Zack says, right? Anyway I thought the thing about girls traveling in packs was funny.
Child: Mom, there's this girl that always says hey to me at carpool. She says she know me from somewhere but I don't know where.
Mom: What's her name?
Child: I don't know.
Mom: Why don't you go up to her and ask her, her name and where she knows you from.
Child: I can't do that. Mom, these days girls travel in packs. You can't just walk up to one and talk to her. She's in a pack. (that just cracked me up!).
Then he went on to tell me about how Zack Efron in High School Musical said yada, yada, yada.
I hear about these kind of movie stories frequently. Honestly I tune them out. Who cares what Zack says, right? Anyway I thought the thing about girls traveling in packs was funny.
September 8, 2008
3:51 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Just a update on school. I seem to get asked about this a bunch so here's how it is going.
I've been back in for my LAST semester for about 3 weeks. I am taking a Management Class and advanced OB and Pediatrics. Right now I am in clinical at Providence on 4 Heart. My instructor is awesome, very laid back. She is great about letting us do things on our own since we are only months away from practicing as RN'S! Most of our patients are post heart cath who have had to get stents for blockages. We do a lot of discharge which is great because I need the practice. Teaching is something nurses do a lot of and when discharging a patient you have to do a lot of teaching. It is So important. In October I will do my clinicals at Richland for OB and Peds. I am so excited about seeing the new children's hospital. It is in my top three places to work when I graduate so I am excited about seeing it and having clinical there. Many people ask me what I want to do when I graduate and honestly I don't know for sure, yet. I am interested in cardiac nursing, newborn nursery, pediatrics and there is this little part of me that would like to try the ER. I love the ER because you get to see the patient in the beginning before they are stable and when the doctors are often trying to figure out what is going on. It is often like putting a puzzle together. The only thing that worries me is trauma. I am not sure if I could handle very serious trauma cases. I have seen a gunshot victim and a fall victim and they were not very serious so I don't know what it would be like to have a real serious case. It sort of scares me but at the same time interests me. I hopefully will know what to do soon because in a few short months it will be time to apply for jobs. I just pray that I will end up somewhere where I can be happy and make a difference in someone's life. On December 17th I will be pinned (nursing for graduate) and then I will have to take the Board Liscensing Exam (NCLEX) and pass in order to practice nursing. I am so excited about finishing!!!!
I've been back in for my LAST semester for about 3 weeks. I am taking a Management Class and advanced OB and Pediatrics. Right now I am in clinical at Providence on 4 Heart. My instructor is awesome, very laid back. She is great about letting us do things on our own since we are only months away from practicing as RN'S! Most of our patients are post heart cath who have had to get stents for blockages. We do a lot of discharge which is great because I need the practice. Teaching is something nurses do a lot of and when discharging a patient you have to do a lot of teaching. It is So important. In October I will do my clinicals at Richland for OB and Peds. I am so excited about seeing the new children's hospital. It is in my top three places to work when I graduate so I am excited about seeing it and having clinical there. Many people ask me what I want to do when I graduate and honestly I don't know for sure, yet. I am interested in cardiac nursing, newborn nursery, pediatrics and there is this little part of me that would like to try the ER. I love the ER because you get to see the patient in the beginning before they are stable and when the doctors are often trying to figure out what is going on. It is often like putting a puzzle together. The only thing that worries me is trauma. I am not sure if I could handle very serious trauma cases. I have seen a gunshot victim and a fall victim and they were not very serious so I don't know what it would be like to have a real serious case. It sort of scares me but at the same time interests me. I hopefully will know what to do soon because in a few short months it will be time to apply for jobs. I just pray that I will end up somewhere where I can be happy and make a difference in someone's life. On December 17th I will be pinned (nursing for graduate) and then I will have to take the Board Liscensing Exam (NCLEX) and pass in order to practice nursing. I am so excited about finishing!!!!
4:45 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
We have reluctantly added new pets to our family. We recently experienced a traumatic death of a fish, well two actually. Noah desperately wanted a pet. John and I talked about a dog but really didn't want the added responsibility. A cat is ok but I am allergic. We have tried fish, turtles, and frogs but they aren't the cuddly type pet he wanted. He suggested a hamster. Ok, I might could deal with a hamster unless it got loose in the house. Noah researches hamsters by checking out books at the library and we decide to go get a hamster last Saturday. Of course Sellers has jumped on the bandwagon by now so we are in search of two hamsters to bring home. We go to the pet store and look at the hamsters. They are next to the cage of rats and honestly I could hardly tell the difference. I hate rats. We have had them twice and they scare me to death. I have offered people big money to get these things out of my house before and now I am paying money to bring a close relative in? I started looking at other animals and started trying to convince them to get something else. First some new frogs. No they didn't grab his attention. Well then I enlisted the help of an employee from the Pet Store. After talking with me he agreed to encourage my boys to get Guinea Pigs instead. After talking with him they seemed cool and well they looked less like a rat and more like a rabbit without the big floppy ears. Thankfully he was successful and they picked out two little critters and brought them home. It has been good. They are very happy with their choice and can be found playing with their little buddies most all the time. And I am proud to say that they have even been taking care of them by themselves. And I am happy to have a pet the doesn't look like a rat that I will even hold.
This is Max, Noah's gp. Luke was busy playing Star Wars with Sellers and was unavailable for a picture.
.
This is Max, Noah's gp. Luke was busy playing Star Wars with Sellers and was unavailable for a picture..
September 2, 2008
10:04 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Toddler talk. I love it. The things they say. The things they think. So cute and interesting to know what's on their mind. This was a few minutes of our conversation on the way home tonight.
Wyatt: I'm a big boy momma.
Mom: yeah, you are a big boy
Wyatt: I want to grow to be 4 feet tall like daddy, he's big.
Mom: Yeah, you will grow to be like daddy. (6 feet not 4)
30 seconds later...
Wyatt: (mumbling the names of superheroes to himself) Mom, who are all the good guys?
Mom: Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Robin, the Hulk, Jesus, Daddy, Papa, Poppy. They are all good guys.
Wyatt: They kill the monsters?
Mom: They take care of the bad guys.
30 seconds later...
Wyatt: Are there monsters in my room mama?
Mom: No Wyatt. Monsters are not real. They are pretend like in stories.
Wyatt: No monsters are gonna get me?
Mom: No Wyatt there are no Monsters!
Walking in the door...
Wyatt: Are there snakes in our jungle momma? ( we have woods behind our house and he calls it the jungle-it took a lot to convince him that our jungle did not have tigers in it)
Mom: Yeah, there are probally snakes in our jungle.
Wyatt: Snakes have teeth. ( something he has just learned) I don't see no snakes in our jungle.
Mom: They are probally hiding.
Wyatt: I'm a big boy momma.
Mom: yeah, you are a big boy
Wyatt: I want to grow to be 4 feet tall like daddy, he's big.
Mom: Yeah, you will grow to be like daddy. (6 feet not 4)
30 seconds later...
Wyatt: (mumbling the names of superheroes to himself) Mom, who are all the good guys?
Mom: Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Robin, the Hulk, Jesus, Daddy, Papa, Poppy. They are all good guys.
Wyatt: They kill the monsters?
Mom: They take care of the bad guys.
30 seconds later...
Wyatt: Are there monsters in my room mama?
Mom: No Wyatt. Monsters are not real. They are pretend like in stories.
Wyatt: No monsters are gonna get me?
Mom: No Wyatt there are no Monsters!
Walking in the door...
Wyatt: Are there snakes in our jungle momma? ( we have woods behind our house and he calls it the jungle-it took a lot to convince him that our jungle did not have tigers in it)
Mom: Yeah, there are probally snakes in our jungle.
Wyatt: Snakes have teeth. ( something he has just learned) I don't see no snakes in our jungle.
Mom: They are probally hiding.
August 28, 2008
9:37 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Silly, Salesman
Easy going
Loving
Likable
Eats anything!
Rambunctious
Stinky feet and Star Wars lover!
Eight years ago today I convinced my OB GYN that I was in "REAL" labor and gave birth to son #2. Noah was so excited to have a little brother to play with and we were thrilled to add to our family. We have been blessed with an easy going, very sweet and loving son who keeps us on our toes with the off the wall things he does.
He shares his birthday with Micheal Jackson and John Mc Cain, Happy Birthday Buddy!
August 24, 2008
1:44 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
I think this past week went well. Both boys seem to like their schools and are adjusting well. Wyatt and Mason start back to school this Tues. as do I. So this week as well as the next 3 1/2 months should be interesting. Noah also started Boy Scouts this week. We decided that he would join a troop in Lexington to help him make friends in Lexington since we do not go to church in Lex. Sellers will start Cub Scouts this week. They both will be going to scouts at Mt. Horeb UMC. Their Papa is very excited about this because he was a great scoutmaster for many years and is thrilled to see his grandsons getting into scouting. I think it will be great for them. Noah is real excited and anxiously waiting on that first camping trip in Sept. without his parents!
Today is my niece's Birthday, Happy Birthday Jordan! We hope to see you soon!
August 22, 2008
8:06 AM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Ok, Ashley tagged me to reveal 6 quirky things about me. I'm not sure if I can come up with 6 but here goes...
1. I sleep with 2 personal fans on at night. I cannot stand to hear little noises, even John breathing!
2. I will not hang my clothes up. They are always draped over something like a closet rod, chair, bed, tub, etc. Every few days (or weeks!) I take the time to hang them up.
3. I cannot use bar soap, it makes me feel sticky so I use the body wash.
4. I absolutely have to read before I go to bed. If I don't I will not be able to fall asleep and will lay awake for a long time.
5. I have to sit facing the entrance of a restaurant at a table, if my back is facing the entrance it drives me nuts.
6. I forget things a lot. I make lists a lot. I lose my lists a lot. So then I forget things and write more lists and then can't find the list. The result of this is that I have to go to a store almost everyday to get the things I forgot. It drives me crazy because I would really like to go to the store once or twice but that rarely happens! Recently I walked into Target with a list. Had it for about the first 10 minutes then suddenly it disappeared. I looked for it for 15 minutes, retracing my steps. No list. I went to customer service. No list and I think the girl thought I was crazy to come to customer service and ask if anyone turned in my list. I tried to remember everything but to no avail I didn't and two more trips to get those items followed.
1. I sleep with 2 personal fans on at night. I cannot stand to hear little noises, even John breathing!
2. I will not hang my clothes up. They are always draped over something like a closet rod, chair, bed, tub, etc. Every few days (or weeks!) I take the time to hang them up.
3. I cannot use bar soap, it makes me feel sticky so I use the body wash.
4. I absolutely have to read before I go to bed. If I don't I will not be able to fall asleep and will lay awake for a long time.
5. I have to sit facing the entrance of a restaurant at a table, if my back is facing the entrance it drives me nuts.
6. I forget things a lot. I make lists a lot. I lose my lists a lot. So then I forget things and write more lists and then can't find the list. The result of this is that I have to go to a store almost everyday to get the things I forgot. It drives me crazy because I would really like to go to the store once or twice but that rarely happens! Recently I walked into Target with a list. Had it for about the first 10 minutes then suddenly it disappeared. I looked for it for 15 minutes, retracing my steps. No list. I went to customer service. No list and I think the girl thought I was crazy to come to customer service and ask if anyone turned in my list. I tried to remember everything but to no avail I didn't and two more trips to get those items followed.
August 20, 2008
8:40 AM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Noah and Sellers started school today. They both are starting new schools so I am hoping they quickly make friends that are a positive influence on them. Sellers starts the 2nd grade at Lake Murray Elementary and Noah 
starts the 6th grade at Pleas
ant Hill Middle.
starts the 6th grade at Pleas
ant Hill Middle.
8:07 AM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Well after a little hiatus from the blog world, I am back. We had a great vacation in Boone, NC. It was so cool and relaxing. John and I went for half the week by ourselves and on Wed. my parents brought the boys up for the rest of the week. We did alot of fun things and I wasn't really ready to 
come home.
come home. John on our rafting trip. Picture was taken through a plastic bag to protect my camera, which didn't work real well when I got soaked by the 45 degree absolutely freezing water!
Just before we went into Tweetsie Railroad which is alot of fun but way overpriced!
I wonder how much it would cost to have one of these installed in the FROG.
On August 14th we celebrated Noah's Eleventh Birthday!
One day we played in the river the whole day, it was probally the most fun the boys had and it was free!
Hundreds of rocks were thrown that day, a little boys paradise!
August 6, 2008
11:26 AM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Nursing School: Yesterday I finished yet another semester. This one was tough. I was not very motivated and it was time consuming but I managed to do ok. In the fall I will have my last semester and am scheduled to graduate on December 17th. It sounds so good to say that. I am so ready for school to be done! Next semester I will have management and advanced OB/Pediatrics. I heard they are tough but I am ready bc I know it is my last semester. Alot of people ask me what I want to do when I graduate but I am not sure. So far I am interested in OB, Peds and the Heart Hospital at Richland. I had clinical at the Heart Hospital this summer and I loved it. Low patient to nurse ratio, great people and a very nice, updated facility. I have to decide soon but I am waiting to see how things go this semester.
Adoption: This topic is a tough one. Adoptions in China are a mess. At times I wonder if it will ever happen. Things are getter tougher for adoptions to go through and the wait time is getting longer and longer. It realistically could be five years and well that puts us in our 40's starting over yet again. I don't know what is going to happen with the adoption, it is a total leap of faith and I am learning about patience in a whole new way. I just pray for things to change or for God to give a clear sign if we are do something different.
The Boys: Noah and Sellers are doing good and had a great time at church camp (non FBC). Wyatt is so active and our little daredevil. He thinks he can do anything and says he is already a grown up! Mason is finally talking well and was using the potty alot but has sort of lost interest in it lately. These guys keep us very busy but we love it!
Next week : VACATION!!!!
Adoption: This topic is a tough one. Adoptions in China are a mess. At times I wonder if it will ever happen. Things are getter tougher for adoptions to go through and the wait time is getting longer and longer. It realistically could be five years and well that puts us in our 40's starting over yet again. I don't know what is going to happen with the adoption, it is a total leap of faith and I am learning about patience in a whole new way. I just pray for things to change or for God to give a clear sign if we are do something different.
The Boys: Noah and Sellers are doing good and had a great time at church camp (non FBC). Wyatt is so active and our little daredevil. He thinks he can do anything and says he is already a grown up! Mason is finally talking well and was using the potty alot but has sort of lost interest in it lately. These guys keep us very busy but we love it!
Next week : VACATION!!!!
August 2, 2008
10:39 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
For some reason Wyatt and Mason can't seem to get it straight on how to address John and I. We never had this problem before. Wyatt will always say Yes, sir to me. I prompt him every time to say yes,mam. He will repeat it but the next time he will still say Yes, sir. I give up.
Mason has always called john and I both mama. Now I try not to take it personal but we have tried and tried to get him to call John dad and he doesn't. If you ask him who mama is he will point to me. Ask him who dada is and he will point to John but if he wants something he will look right at John and say "mama, gaga". I give up.
Mason has always called john and I both mama. Now I try not to take it personal but we have tried and tried to get him to call John dad and he doesn't. If you ask him who mama is he will point to me. Ask him who dada is and he will point to John but if he wants something he will look right at John and say "mama, gaga". I give up.
August 1, 2008
2:41 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
I was contacted this past week by an old high school friend.
She says its time to plan our twenty year high school reunion.
No way, twenty years. I knew it was coming but still hard to believe.
It's not that high school doesn't feel so long ago because it does.
So many things forgotten, classmates, teachers, how to speak Spanish.
It's just hard for me to accept that I am old enough to be out for twenty years.
I don't feel that I am possibly old enough to say
"My name is Jennifer and I graduated from high school in 1989".
She says its time to plan our twenty year high school reunion.
No way, twenty years. I knew it was coming but still hard to believe.
It's not that high school doesn't feel so long ago because it does.
So many things forgotten, classmates, teachers, how to speak Spanish.
It's just hard for me to accept that I am old enough to be out for twenty years.
I don't feel that I am possibly old enough to say
"My name is Jennifer and I graduated from high school in 1989".
July 31, 2008
10:45 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Happy Birthday to John, Johnny, Uncle John,Dada, Daddy,Bro, Son or Sweetie! Loved by many. Hope you have a wonderful day!
Ps: You better enjoy this year for next year is the BIG one!
John and the Boys!
Couldn't leave this one out with Jordan and Tuck!
July 29, 2008
5:59 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Green permanent marker on the door.
Scuffs on the wall.
Dents in the floors.
Poop on the carpet (not once but three times).
Black spray paint on the garage floor, door and wall.
Plastic toys littering the lawn.
It didn't take long for us to break this house in.
It's hard not to get upset but after all it is just a house even if it is new.
Soon we will just have that old house charm that we have always loved.
Scuffs on the wall.
Dents in the floors.
Poop on the carpet (not once but three times).
Black spray paint on the garage floor, door and wall.
Plastic toys littering the lawn.
It didn't take long for us to break this house in.
It's hard not to get upset but after all it is just a house even if it is new.
Soon we will just have that old house charm that we have always loved.
July 25, 2008
3:47 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
I Would Gather Children
Some would gather money
Along the path of life,
Some would gather roses,
And rest from wordly strife.
But I would gather children
From among the thorns of sin,
I would seek a golden curl,
And a freckled toothless grin.
For money cannot enter,
In that land of endless day,
And roses that are gathered
Soon will wilt along the way.
But oh, the laughing children,
As I cross the sunset sea,
And the gates swing wide to heaven,
I can take them in with me!
I stumbled onto this poem on a blog of a family who recently adopted a child. There are times I wish I could gather children from around the world and take care of them.There are millions of orphans in the world and if only 7% of Christians in the world adopted a child there would be no more orphans. What an awesome thought. For every child in the world to have a home and parents, love and food. No child left alone, crying with no one to love or hold them. God calls christians to care for orphans, but why don't we care more? Why don't more of us do something to help? It has definitely been pressed on my heart to do something. I don't know exactly what yet (besides adopting one day from China hopefully) but I have been praying about it. I am excited about the possibilities of what it may be. I anxiously wait, knowing that God has the perfect plan for me.
July 22, 2008
1:40 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Last Night:
Ten friends,
packed theatre,
laughing so hard you were crying,
music that took you back in time,
just a silly, good time.
Boy I needed that.
Today:
Can't get the songs out of my head and had to go buy a ABBA cd. No, I'm not joking and it was a bargain just $6.98 at Wally World!
July 17, 2008
10:20 AM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
My children love fruit. The problem is when I buy something different they like it's gone in a blink, so I try to "police" eating the fruit so it will last more than a day. One of their favorites are clementines. Small, juicy, easy to peel and if good they are oh so sweet and not very cheap. I bought some and sure enough they were going crazy wanting to eat them. Wyatt wanted one, one night after I said the kitchen was CLOSED! (my new phrase for -no you can not have anything else to eat today).
Wyatt: Mom, what's the magic word to get an orange?
Mom: (smiling and thinking about it)
Wyatt: Hocus Pocus?
Mom: Hocus Pocus? No. ( It is so hard to resist when they are this cute!)
Wyatt: What is the magic word?
Mom: Well, if you want an orange the magic words are, Mom is pretty (I decided I don't hear that enough)
Wyatt: Ok . Mom is pretty. ( and of course I give him an orange, not without the other boys noticing of course)
5 minutes later
Wyatt: What's the magic word to get another orange, Hocus Pocus?
How can I resist? I gave him another orange. That kid knows how to get to me.
Wyatt: Mom, what's the magic word to get an orange?
Mom: (smiling and thinking about it)
Wyatt: Hocus Pocus?
Mom: Hocus Pocus? No. ( It is so hard to resist when they are this cute!)
Wyatt: What is the magic word?
Mom: Well, if you want an orange the magic words are, Mom is pretty (I decided I don't hear that enough)
Wyatt: Ok . Mom is pretty. ( and of course I give him an orange, not without the other boys noticing of course)
5 minutes later
Wyatt: What's the magic word to get another orange, Hocus Pocus?
How can I resist? I gave him another orange. That kid knows how to get to me.
July 14, 2008
9:54 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
This morning I woke up and remembered they were coming today to hook up our cable and telephone and DSL. I actually started dreading it. We have always been a TV family. John and the boys mostly but I enjoy a little TV now and then but lately we haven't had it and I didn't miss it. I don't think the boys did either, they didn't mention it. We watched an occasional DVD and that seemed to satisfy them. I even contemplated cancelling the cable but I did that to DISH the other day and I don't think John would have been to happy about that. So I went to school and just as I had dreaded when I got home the kids were plopped in front of the TV. No longer were they outside catching tiny frogs, building their garden or building forts. They were watching TV. I was disapointed. I was hoping that having TV back wouldn't matter. I am determined now more than ever to restrict the amount of time they spend in front of the tube. I want to see them in our yard, building forts, catching frogs and planting in their garden.
July 11, 2008
10:22 AM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Well we are in our new house. It hasn't been that bad but slow. I have to unpack around studying and school. We have been without internet access b/c we didn''t know when you moved to the boonies it would take weeks. Had we known we would have called to get it hooked up sooner but anyway we have three more days without it. We have had no phone, no TV, no cable, and no internet. For us it's an adjustment b/c we like these things but then again it's been great. It's been nice not having the noise and distraction of these things but I am ready to have them back. Well posting may be few and far between for a while. Just want to thank John's parents, Poppy and Nama. They put up with us for three weeks in their home and we appreciate it sooooo much. We love you and thank you. Also thanks to all grandparents for all they have done in taking care of our youngins! You are appreaciated!!!
July 1, 2008
9:27 AM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Right now someone may be at our new house determining our fate. Yes, we are still with my in-laws and an inspector is at the new house today deciding whether we can move in or not. This is the fourth time they have been out. Every time finding something that needs to be done. We are sure today is it. We have done everything they asked. Will they come up with another to do list or will they give us the form to Proceed. I am so ready to move in. My in-laws have been generous and considering how intrusive 6 people can be I think it has gone well. But we are all ready to "get back to normal". Please Mr. Inspector let me move into my house!
Got the word, we are in! Now for the fun part, moving our stuff again.
Got the word, we are in! Now for the fun part, moving our stuff again.
June 29, 2008
2:15 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Lately it has become all to evident that someone in our house in on the brink of adolesence. Today I think the world had forced children into growing up too fast. I know this is true, I have seen it. I am guilty of being one of those overprotective moms. I still police everything my children watch and listen to and have a hard time giving in to his desires to watch these adolescent soap operas on Disney. Some I allow, in small doses. I can always tell when he has seen too much of these shows. We still do not allow certain words to be spoken in our house that you would commonly hear today on TV and coming out of the mouths of kids everywhere. I am still very strict about who he plays with and who's house he's allowed to go to. Can I really trust their parents? He is starting to question why I am like this. It is becoming harder and harder to be the positive influence to him. He is more and more interested in what other people think about things and about him. It doesn't matter that I think he is cute, and loving and talented and "cool". It matters more what they think. I am worried about how I will handle these years . I remember all too well the adolescent years, most of mine were really happy but I do remember how hard those times are. Trying to figure where you fit in, who your friends are, just all around who you are. And unfortunately in our world being a Christian will make it harder for him.
After I wrote this I was thinking how my last sentence maybe came out wrong. Actually being a christian can make it harder and maybe easier. Harder because he will struggle with worldly things and trying to stay on the correct moral path but maybe easier because he can pull strength from his faith to stay on the right path. My prayer is that being a christian will be his strength to get through these years and something that he is proud of, always.
After I wrote this I was thinking how my last sentence maybe came out wrong. Actually being a christian can make it harder and maybe easier. Harder because he will struggle with worldly things and trying to stay on the correct moral path but maybe easier because he can pull strength from his faith to stay on the right path. My prayer is that being a christian will be his strength to get through these years and something that he is proud of, always.
June 22, 2008
1:51 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
I know a girl who is just like me
She is the only one who can endure the craziness of my boys
She is the only one I will take all of them to her house
She is the first one I call when I am really excited or really sad
We have so, so much in common ( the list could go for miles)
She is so generous and loving, the best mom and friend
she is a talented and creative decorator
we share a love of reading, she patiently waits for me to be able to read for fun again
we both have a sickness for cute stationary, kid's clothes and bags (and shoes)
she left eveything she knew to move here and be near me (well there may be a few others :) )
I am so lucky to have her in my life
June 18, 2008
8:58 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
The boys have always called John's mom Nama. Noah started it. Wyatt for a while called her Nama and then suddenly started calling her Namahouse. We weren't sure what he meant. Poppy made jokes about it but we didn't know why he did it. Then one day it hit me. When we are going to their house we always said "we're going to Poppy and Nama's house". He just assumed that's what we call her. It always made us laugh. Lately he doesn't say it often. Today he did and I smiled. I love toddler talk.
4:06 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Yes, I have been busy. Too busy to post and even think about what I wanted to say. This past week we moved (something I really don't like to do) and are staying at my in-laws (thanks for putting up with us for a couple weeks!). The new house isn't ready so we couldn't move in. We didn't ask for more time bc in this market you really don't want to turn off your buyer's. We really don't need two houses right now. SO the next few weeks are going to be stressful, I feel displaced and am so with 4 kids. I just want to say thanks for our families for all they have done to help! And while we are talking about families I should take this time to address the Father's in my life.
John- Well how can I say enough thanks to all you have given us. Your love, endless devotion and time and for setting such a fine example to our boys. You work so hard to take care of us and to give us the things we need and desire. You make sure our boys know how important God is and teach them to follow his word and to rely on his strength. I am not good at saying thanks enough but I do Thank you and love you!
Dad-A girl could not have asked for a better father. You have always been there for me and have helped me through so many things. Shoot, if it wasn't for your advice I might not be thanking John right now for it was you who encouraged me to give him a chance. I am forever grateful for everything. I also thank you for everything you do for the boys. I am so grateful they have such a loving and "fun" Papa!
Mr. O-You know we have come a long way in the last 15 years. I have not always been so nice but I want you to know how much I appreciate you. You are always there for us and have helped us many times. Thanks for all you do for us and with the boys. They really are fortunate to have such a great Poppy!
Ed and Chris-You are incredible Dad's to my nieces and nephews, they are so fortunate to have Father's that would go to the ends of the earth for them and are Godly examples for them.
Well for not knowing what to say I managed to say alot. Happy Father's Day to you all!
John- Well how can I say enough thanks to all you have given us. Your love, endless devotion and time and for setting such a fine example to our boys. You work so hard to take care of us and to give us the things we need and desire. You make sure our boys know how important God is and teach them to follow his word and to rely on his strength. I am not good at saying thanks enough but I do Thank you and love you!
Dad-A girl could not have asked for a better father. You have always been there for me and have helped me through so many things. Shoot, if it wasn't for your advice I might not be thanking John right now for it was you who encouraged me to give him a chance. I am forever grateful for everything. I also thank you for everything you do for the boys. I am so grateful they have such a loving and "fun" Papa!
Mr. O-You know we have come a long way in the last 15 years. I have not always been so nice but I want you to know how much I appreciate you. You are always there for us and have helped us many times. Thanks for all you do for us and with the boys. They really are fortunate to have such a great Poppy!
Ed and Chris-You are incredible Dad's to my nieces and nephews, they are so fortunate to have Father's that would go to the ends of the earth for them and are Godly examples for them.
Well for not knowing what to say I managed to say alot. Happy Father's Day to you all!
June 5, 2008
7:20 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Little Red Schoolhouse - on the Prairie
Originally uploaded by sirchuckles
no more homework
no more lunch money
no more carpool
we can sleep in (Oh I wish they would!)
we can stay up late
we can go on vacation
Goodbye Elementary school for my first born
Here comes Middle School-I cannot believe it!
Goodbye First Grade for Sellers, Hello Second!
June 1, 2008
7:35 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
The Mommy bird, watching us from our rooftop.
The babies we love watching.We have had the privilege of watching a mother bird make a nest, lay her eggs and now they have hatched and are watching her raise her babies. The nest is in a little tree and with our high deck we can see down into the nest. The boys have been so interested in the nest and I often have to remind them that they need to come inside so the mommy bird can feed her babies. Noah loves to take pictures and has been photographing pictures daily to document the progression of the babies. As I was looking at the pictures he showed me the picture of the mommy bird watching from the rooftop. That picture moved me and made me think of something I was talking about with someone at the pool yesterday. It was a long conversation but the gist of it was that mommies are always watching out for their babies. We can assess a situation in seconds and notice every possible threat (and fun stuff too) to our children. As I was thinking about this it reminded me of how God does the same thing. He too is looking down on his children and keeping a watchful eye on them just like me and just like the bird. Which by the way according to Noahs research is a Mockingbird.
May 30, 2008
9:13 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
This week I was talking to one of my nursing friends and we laughed about something that probably all nurses and students do. Because we know so much about diseases and illnesses we are constantly convincing ourselves we either do or do not have something. I have diagnosed myself with Diabetes, MS, Cancer, you name it. Ironically, the symptoms seem to appear right as I am studying that disease. Am I imagining it? Not sure. There have been some diagnoses I left behind and some I keep revisiting every time I have a "symptom". This is something I will have to get used to, this diagnosing me (and everyone I know). So, if you're talking to me and you mention something about a "symptom" watch out I might just diagnose you too!
May 24, 2008
9:21 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Lately I seem to be getting a lot of whining in my house, even from the big boys (one in particular) about just about everything! They whine about what we eat, when we eat, how much we eat, what we watch, when we watch and how much we watch, homework, errands, being reminded of chores, you name it I seem to get whining in return. One even does the jumping up and down and throws a couple tears in for good measure. I can almost deal with whining in a 3 year old but why has my older children started whining again? Is it because they are testing the water for their boundaries, for independence. Do they feel neglected, do we give too much attention to the babies and not them? Are they spoiled? Are they stressed? Is there too much change? I have always said to my children when they whine "I don't understand you when you whine, can you please speak to me in a normal voice" it always worked in the past. I think it is time to pull that phrase out of my hat again, amazingly I haven't used it in a long time. We had very little whining for a long time, not anymore.
May 22, 2008
8:50 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
My heart has been heavy all day. I am sure many of you have heard of the tragic death of Steven Curtis Chapman's families youngest little girl, Maria. It is hard to understand such a tragic end to such a sweet life. I have been thinking about it all day, wondering why God would let something like this happen. A young girl born into this world and abandoned, adopted and given a wonderful life and then tragically lost at 5 years old. At dinner as I was watching my kids play, I thought why not her. Our grief is selfish, she is not sad or hurt or lonely. She is with her heavenly father in a wonderful place. For her we should be happy. It does not erase the hurt of losing a loved one but it helps bear it. I am so sad for her family, especially for the brother that accidently ran over her. I pray for this families grief, that somehow this story will touch other lives and maybe her story will lead others to Jesus.
May 21, 2008
10:29 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
I started back to school Mon. It is very busy but I like it. Today in Lab I started to feel like a nurse bc we got do learn some "real nurse things"-the big ones and it was fun. I will be at Palmetto Health Heart Hospital for critical care and at Richland Springs for Pysche rotation. I go to Psyche on Friday and can't wait to see what that is like. My postings may become alot less frequent bc of all my school work but I'll wait and see..........If you read this Wed or Thurs please pray for J. Just pray for her to get GOOD news tomorrow. I would appreciate your prayers.
May 16, 2008
4:46 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
My kids love watermelon. Papa bought us some watermelons this week (Thanks!).The kids have anxiously waited on me to cut them. I fixed Wyatt a bowl of pieces. He handed it back to me and said "mom, can you take the sprinkles out?". He thought the seeds were sprinkles-how cute! I couldn't make him understand that it was ok to eat them so I had to pick all the little white seeds out that he could see and I did it with a smile on my face.
May 14, 2008
7:21 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
I didn't mean to leave it on a low note for so long but I've been busy, busy busy. Cramming as much into 19 days that I can. Lets see I have attended a wedding in Charleston, a preschool musical, Awana Awards, Noah's band concert, a soccer game, joined The Firm and have actually gone with my Sis-In-Law, picked out lights and many other things for the new house, gone to the zoo, gone to the park, gone swimming numerous times, packed part of the house, done 3000 loads of laundry, been to Target a dozen times (I never can remember to get it all at once), Met a couple friends for special time together, went to a grown up movie, read a dozen magazines, read a novel (well I'm almost done), attended Field Day at Wyatt's school, gone to WW with my dad, and I've actually started reading stuff for school on Monday. All that and yet we have a lot to go. My mom-in-laws retirement banquet (Congrats Nama, we love you!), 3 birthday parties this weekend, Soccer game and cookout and the Children's musical at FBC. My postings may not be as frequent in the coming weeks. For three weeks I am in school 5 days a week from 7-4. I am so worried about it. Pray for me and my family as we make this adjustment. I have never been away from the kids this much. And pray for the Grandparents and dad who will be watching them!
May 9, 2008
9:02 AM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
I recently came across a blog through another blog and wanted to share it with you. A few weeks ago I was down. It was the four year mark of losing Grace and the frustration and reality of the adoption wait was hitting me hard. I have always wanted a daughter and have not been able to always accept and understand why God has chosen this path for us to our daughter. If Grace had lived she would have been 3 1/2 years old. Almost every time I see a little blond headed girl I think of her and wonder what she would have looked like. Well I was checking on a blog that I look at from time to time and she referenced being blessed by reading a blog called Bring The Rain. Curious I clicked on the link and then spent the next 30 minutes reading (never mind the nursing I was supposed to be studying). It is a wonderful story of a women who just the week before had lost her fourth daughter. The story brought tears to my eyes and let me spend just a few minutes mourning my loss the way I seldom do. If you have ever lost a child I encourage you to check out their story, it will touch your heart but please have a tissue handy it is incredibly raw and sad.
www.audreycaroline.blogspot.com
www.audreycaroline.blogspot.com
8:37 AM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Noah with his Band Teacher at last nights concert. Noah switched to percusssion after Christmas and we have been very proud of how quickly he has learned this new skill. He played several different instruments during the program and we are so proud of him!
Mom, Dad and Noah standing outside the new Lex 1 Performing Arts Center. The facility is so nice and I believe the concert last night was the first thing held there. If you look closely you can see a HUGE Wildcat (lex highs Mascot) painting on the wall in the background. It is hard to believe in three short years Noah will be getting ready to attend High School there, WOW!
Wyatt always falling asleep in the strangest of places because his mom is to weak to make him take a nap.
Rub a Dub Dub Three Boys in a Tub! They had a blast and had to be coaxed out of the tub.
I celebrated the end of my Night and Weekend Nursing Program with fellow students. I will really miss those guys!
Noah is playing soccer and is doing quite well. It has always been my favorite sport to watch the kids play. I am happy someone is playing soccer right now. He has scored several goals and is having a good time playing.May 3, 2008
10:32 AM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
And no I am not talking about our children...
I have been MIA because I had my last exam and final this past week. It went pretty well, I passed as well as most of my class. As hard as this semester was we only lost 6 people which is a much lower number than I originally thought would fail. From the start of our program in Jan. of 2007 we have had 67% of our class pass. That statistic is much higher than the usual starting class. Now I have just 4 more classes. Two this summer, Critical Care and Psyche Nursing and then two more in the fall. I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Now I can enjoy my break, now down to 16 days before it all starts again.
I have been MIA because I had my last exam and final this past week. It went pretty well, I passed as well as most of my class. As hard as this semester was we only lost 6 people which is a much lower number than I originally thought would fail. From the start of our program in Jan. of 2007 we have had 67% of our class pass. That statistic is much higher than the usual starting class. Now I have just 4 more classes. Two this summer, Critical Care and Psyche Nursing and then two more in the fall. I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Now I can enjoy my break, now down to 16 days before it all starts again.
April 16, 2008
3:02 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Many of you know I have struggled to lose weight for years! Today I thought of a great new diet. I guess it would be called the Dentist Diet or maybe the Mouth is Numb Diet. All you have to do is inject your gums with numbing medicine and then you cannot even think of eating for at least 4 hours. You would only have to do it a couple times a day. The only draw backs would be the drooling and the drooping of the face. Oh and the fact that you would sound drunk when you talk. It sure kept me on plan when I took the kids to BK for lunch today!
April 11, 2008
7:02 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
I should know by now that when children (this time 4 btwn 18 mos and 3) are all playing quietly they are up to something and it probally isn't good. This morning I was watching my niece and nephew. The 4 normally play together well so I really didn't think too much about it when I heard them quietly playing in Mason's room. In a matter of about 10 minutes at the most they made a BIG mess. I was standing in the den on the phone with a friend when in they come. I notice the wet looking spots on the clothes (ok water ), no. then I notice the disheveled hair (what?) then I notice the EMPTY jar of Vaseline in someones hand. I panicked. My niece had on a brand new dress, but luckily she escaped the Vaseline bandits. The three boys were covered in Vaseline. Ok strip clothes, throw them in water, run bath, stick 3 slippery boys in the tub, little girl says 'I have a poopy (over and over), wash hair, wash hair, wash hair, change diaper, sister-in-law arrives, eat lunch, boys out of the tub, dried, clothed,playing. Did you know Vaseline doesn't wash out of hair easily, my sister-in-law called this afternoon, after 10 attempts his hair is still very greasy she even researched on the Internet and tried cornstarch-but no luck. ( Sorry T) Moral of the story: 1. do not leave Vaseline where kids can get it, and 2. always check on kids when they are too quiet (you know what I'm talking about). And the craziest part of it all is that I love it. Not necessarily the mess but the kids, their silliness and their ability to have a blast with nothing but a jar of Vaseline and then a bath!
April 10, 2008
6:37 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Recently I was having lunch with a friend of mine, Kristi. We were talking and she mentioned to me that a couple we had known from church years ago had recently gone to Zambia to be missionaries. The next day I spoke with someone who goes to Crossroads Church and I was asking him about their missions and after speaking with him decided to look up their website and see what the church did for missions. After clicking on a link I sort of discovered the picture of this friend and her family, after clicking on their link I was sent to their blog about being Missionaries in Zambia and the work they are doing there for Christ. I was really excited to see their blog and read about what they are doing. I contacted them to let them know we are praying for them and to reconnect. Coincidence? I think not, God knew I wanted to hear their story, pray for them and for the lives they are touching in Zambia. I can't wait to see what God does in these lives over the next several years.
April 7, 2008
10:56 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
I love the new look of our blog. Rebecca you were such a pleasure to do business with and I truly wish you the best with all the wonderful things you do for others!
Adoption News: I was pleasantly surprised to find some important papers in the mail today that I was not expecting to see for a few weeks. I have two more things to get together so I can send them to Russia and get on the official waitlist for our daughter. Also, I am a member of a private forum for people who have adopted/adopting with Christian World Adoption. I posted a question about Tyumen and I got a response from someone who adopted their son from there 3 years ago. She offered to send me pictures of the baby home (orphanage) in Tyumen. I asked her to send them to me and it was amazing to look at the pictures of the home Ellery may be living in right now or will be soon. One thing I have learned through this adoption is that there is such a strong supportive adoption community our there and the internet has made it so easy for this sort of thing to happen. I think it is really amazing! I pray that someone there will love her and give her special attention so she can bond with someone, making her attachment to us easier.
Other Big News: John's brother Ed and his family moved back to Columbia in the last week. We are so excited to have them home and look forward to so many special times together...We Love Ya'll!!!!!
Adoption News: I was pleasantly surprised to find some important papers in the mail today that I was not expecting to see for a few weeks. I have two more things to get together so I can send them to Russia and get on the official waitlist for our daughter. Also, I am a member of a private forum for people who have adopted/adopting with Christian World Adoption. I posted a question about Tyumen and I got a response from someone who adopted their son from there 3 years ago. She offered to send me pictures of the baby home (orphanage) in Tyumen. I asked her to send them to me and it was amazing to look at the pictures of the home Ellery may be living in right now or will be soon. One thing I have learned through this adoption is that there is such a strong supportive adoption community our there and the internet has made it so easy for this sort of thing to happen. I think it is really amazing! I pray that someone there will love her and give her special attention so she can bond with someone, making her attachment to us easier.
Other Big News: John's brother Ed and his family moved back to Columbia in the last week. We are so excited to have them home and look forward to so many special times together...We Love Ya'll!!!!!
April 1, 2008
2:41 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
I found a plaque at Koo Koo bears that I just had to have. With four boys it couldn't have been more perfect (and sweet). Here's what it said:
Brother will you...Build forts...Shoot Hoops...Teach me to skip rocks...Tell me stories in the dark...Always be my friend?
I pray my boys will always be friends!
March 31, 2008
2:23 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Wyatt: Mom can you get the checkers game for me?
Mom: Just a minute Wyatt, can you get it?
Wyatt: No it's too high.
Mom: Just stand on the toy box to reach it. (I was holding Mason who was sick and lethargic--he didn't want me to put him down)
Wyatt: Mom, I can't reach it, I need you to get it, you are tall, like a giraffe.
Mom (thinking to herself): What?? Me a giraffe. (well that left me speechless, I got up and got the game)
Mom: Just a minute Wyatt, can you get it?
Wyatt: No it's too high.
Mom: Just stand on the toy box to reach it. (I was holding Mason who was sick and lethargic--he didn't want me to put him down)
Wyatt: Mom, I can't reach it, I need you to get it, you are tall, like a giraffe.
Mom (thinking to herself): What?? Me a giraffe. (well that left me speechless, I got up and got the game)
March 22, 2008
1:08 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Sometimes children do something and it makes you proud and you think yes they get it! Today was one of those days for us with Sellers. This week he decided he wanted to have his own Easter Egg Hunt. We bought some eggs and candy, he handmade invitations and delivered them by bike, made cupcakes, decorated the backyard and this morning we waited. The hunt was to be at 10:30. At 10:35 no one had shown. My heart was aching thinking that no one would show up. Then thankfully we hear a crowd of kids coming up the street. Two of the 6 families we invited came. Sellers has this whole thing planned out. After everyone came he asked them to sit down in the grass and proceeded to lead a lesson he had planned last night. He asked his Dad to read part of the story of the Resurrection out of a kids book and then he took out an envelope. He had placed nails, a cross, a purple cloth, (he couldn't find a crown of thorns) in the envelope and took them out one by one and shared what they stood for. I was so glad that the kids that had come sat quietly and listened and even participated. We were really proud of him. The Egg hunt was a huge success and everyone had a great time and ended up staying until 12:30. I think we are going to make this a tradition, being a missionary in our own yard, how great!
March 19, 2008
2:15 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Well we have been so busy. Last weekend was great with no clinical so I spent the whole time between taking the kids to the church Easter Egg Hunt and birthday parties and studying. It was nice to have the weekend off, I have this weekend of too because of Easter then it will be back to clinical for a few more weeks. The semester will be over April 30th so that is just around the corner!
I have busy preparing our Registration packet for Russia, thankfully it is not too much work so I hope to be done within the month. It depends on a few letters getting back to us in the mail.
Wyatt is so funny....lately he has taken to calling me Honey. He says it so sweetly. An example is when I was looking for something in the pantry he goes "here it is honey". It just melts my heart.
I have busy preparing our Registration packet for Russia, thankfully it is not too much work so I hope to be done within the month. It depends on a few letters getting back to us in the mail.
Wyatt is so funny....lately he has taken to calling me Honey. He says it so sweetly. An example is when I was looking for something in the pantry he goes "here it is honey". It just melts my heart.
March 10, 2008
10:10 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
We had the first talk with our Russia coordinator today and we have been assigned a region in Russia for our adoption. What this means is that Ellery is from the Tyumen region. It is in Western Siberia, yes Siberia. John and I will get to travel there twice. Who knew we would have to travel 23 hours just to see snow. Today the high was 24 and snowing in Tyumen, brrrrrr! I did a little research on Tyumen which you can too but here are a few interesting facts:
1. Miss Russia 2007 was from the Tyumen region.
2. The region was est. over 400 years ago and is surrounding by two big rivers (forgot names) it was the first town est. in Siberia
3. Is called a walking city but ironically in the pictures I saw I sure did see alot of cars
4. Population is around 600,000 people ( i think that's about the size of Columbia)
5. It is cold there and snows and snows and snows ( I sure wish the boys could see that, they would get enough of snow to last a lifetime and I will probably see more snow in that trip than I have seen in my lifetime-unless we get lucky and travel in the summer) Right now it is -10 degress celcius as I am writing this. wow
It was so exciting to find out that, that is where she is from. It makes this adoption seem even more real to us. This week I am going to start collecting the paperwork, it is a little different that China but I don't think it should take me more than a month or so, we'll see. It should go faster since I've done this once already! Please pray for our baby girl.
1. Miss Russia 2007 was from the Tyumen region.
2. The region was est. over 400 years ago and is surrounding by two big rivers (forgot names) it was the first town est. in Siberia
3. Is called a walking city but ironically in the pictures I saw I sure did see alot of cars
4. Population is around 600,000 people ( i think that's about the size of Columbia)
5. It is cold there and snows and snows and snows ( I sure wish the boys could see that, they would get enough of snow to last a lifetime and I will probably see more snow in that trip than I have seen in my lifetime-unless we get lucky and travel in the summer) Right now it is -10 degress celcius as I am writing this. wow
It was so exciting to find out that, that is where she is from. It makes this adoption seem even more real to us. This week I am going to start collecting the paperwork, it is a little different that China but I don't think it should take me more than a month or so, we'll see. It should go faster since I've done this once already! Please pray for our baby girl.
March 6, 2008
9:05 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Well I went to school Monday night, I did pass the test but most of my class did not. Only two people have dropped that I know of and alot of people have very close to passing averages so they are going to stick it out and see if they can pass. I was relieved that it went better than I thought though some of my dear friends are in danger of failing :(
New info on the adoption:
John and I have been struggling as you may know for some time about the wait time with China adoption. I finally got to a point when I said I can't do this for 4 or more years. The waiting is truly hard and it is taking a toll on me mentally. I spoke with our adoption agency last week and after discussing options with them we decided to switch to the newly reopened Russian program. We talked and prayed about it and decided that this was the right decision for us. We want Ellery to be raised with her brothers not by them. IT has been hard because for a long time now I have pictured her with dark hair and almond eyes, now I have to think that she will look different but more like us. Right now the Russia program is about a year wait, our agency told us we would probally be home with her by this time next year. I am nervous about this because I don't know much about the Russia program and the health of the children is more of a concern for Russia than China as for as I know. The big thing is that I just realized when we switched that it is very possible that Ellery is either alive or is in utero! That blows my mind. I immediately started to pray for her. Pray that she is safe, that someone is looking out for her and loving her, and if she is in utero that her mother is taking care of herself and her pregnancy. I just cannot believe that she may be alive right now, I can't wait to meet her and bring her home to her forever family! Please pray for her too!
New info on the adoption:
John and I have been struggling as you may know for some time about the wait time with China adoption. I finally got to a point when I said I can't do this for 4 or more years. The waiting is truly hard and it is taking a toll on me mentally. I spoke with our adoption agency last week and after discussing options with them we decided to switch to the newly reopened Russian program. We talked and prayed about it and decided that this was the right decision for us. We want Ellery to be raised with her brothers not by them. IT has been hard because for a long time now I have pictured her with dark hair and almond eyes, now I have to think that she will look different but more like us. Right now the Russia program is about a year wait, our agency told us we would probally be home with her by this time next year. I am nervous about this because I don't know much about the Russia program and the health of the children is more of a concern for Russia than China as for as I know. The big thing is that I just realized when we switched that it is very possible that Ellery is either alive or is in utero! That blows my mind. I immediately started to pray for her. Pray that she is safe, that someone is looking out for her and loving her, and if she is in utero that her mother is taking care of herself and her pregnancy. I just cannot believe that she may be alive right now, I can't wait to meet her and bring her home to her forever family! Please pray for her too!
March 2, 2008
9:00 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Wyatt's latest cute phrase:
I took Wyatt and Mason to the mall Friday and wyatt asked me if he could ride the "carosalad" it cracked me up so much I kept making him say it over and over so I could laugh. I really can't figure out what makes him call it carosalad instead of carousel but it is so cute.
School update:
Tommorrow is a big day at school. We get test number 2 back and I may lose as much as 1/2 or more of my class. This semester things are much harder and the tests are real tough, I think tougher than they have to be. I am so worried about what it will mean for many of my friends. We are a tight knit group, like a family and it will be hard to lose anyone. My prayer tonight is that we will all get through tommorrow night without to many tears!
I took Wyatt and Mason to the mall Friday and wyatt asked me if he could ride the "carosalad" it cracked me up so much I kept making him say it over and over so I could laugh. I really can't figure out what makes him call it carosalad instead of carousel but it is so cute.
School update:
Tommorrow is a big day at school. We get test number 2 back and I may lose as much as 1/2 or more of my class. This semester things are much harder and the tests are real tough, I think tougher than they have to be. I am so worried about what it will mean for many of my friends. We are a tight knit group, like a family and it will be hard to lose anyone. My prayer tonight is that we will all get through tommorrow night without to many tears!
February 26, 2008
9:17 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
well i finally broke down and let the kids have a pet besides the two easygoing beta fish we have. sellers and his friend mathew found a lizard in the back yard and caught it. this lizard now has a 10 gallon glass home that my children have filled with everything from dead grass , to plastic frogs to a toy bridge. he is named drazil (lizard backwards-sellers idea) and he is been such a source of amusement for all four boys. i love this kind of pet, well as long as he doesn't get loose in the house, he is pretty easy to take care of. we just threw a cricket in there from the last fishing trip and drazil just gobbled it up..and to think....i was about to give into the whole cat thing...
funny things wyatt said or did:
"momma can i push the egg out" (he wanted to crack an egg to cook)
whenever mason walks around going mama, mama (which is often and non person specific) wyatt will say "NO that's my mamma, not yours!"
he was drawing on his magna doodle before bed and i asked him what he was drawing, he said it's a smiley face, i looked closely and sure enough he had drawn his very first smiley face for me and i was so happy. we made such a big deal out of it he kept doing it over and over.
funny things wyatt said or did:
"momma can i push the egg out" (he wanted to crack an egg to cook)
whenever mason walks around going mama, mama (which is often and non person specific) wyatt will say "NO that's my mamma, not yours!"
he was drawing on his magna doodle before bed and i asked him what he was drawing, he said it's a smiley face, i looked closely and sure enough he had drawn his very first smiley face for me and i was so happy. we made such a big deal out of it he kept doing it over and over.
February 22, 2008
10:14 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
This picture was taken just after I celebrated Valentine's Day with the 5 men in my life!This has been another busy week. I guess realistically they all are. This week, John commented, has been the week of unending laundry. It feels like there is no end to it and it doesn't help that we have the slowest dryer in the world. I am not kidding when I say that, sometimes it takes one load 2 hours to dry! Another issue is folding the clothes up and putting them away. I have actually considered allowing each boy only one color for everything so we know who's is who's. It is especially hard since Noah and Sellers are in the same size on some things. And I won't even touch the sock issue, I think when we move I am going to do like a friend of mine. No more sorting socks, she just had a sock basket all socks go into, when you want a pair that's where you'll find them. That is of course if one didn't get eaten by the washer or dryer.
I had another one of those moments this week when I get down about the slow down in the China Adoption program. One night John and I were talking about whether we should switch programs and looked into other countries but we still feel the pull to China. We decided we would kind've wait and see and give it a year or so to see what is happening then. I went to bed feeling blue that night, I can't really explain what this feels like, maybe like wanting to get pregnant really bad but you keep trying and nothing happens. You just don't really know when it is going to happen. So when I woke up the next morning I was getting ready to go to clinical at 6 am and as I bent down to get my hair straightner I saw this keychain on the vanity. I had never seen this key chain before and it caught my attention because I saw a Bible verse and the word wait so I looked at it closely and read "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles..." Isiah 40:31. As I continued to get ready I thought about that verse and realized how God had placed that verse in my path and I smiled because it is what I have known all along. I have to trust God. I put my faith in him that everything with this adoption will happen according to his plan. I must trust and wait on him. I couldn't stop thinking about that verse and even thanked God on the way to the hospital for it, I have a feeling I will be thinking about that verse alot in the upcoming years as we wait for Ellery. And as for the keychain, it is my father in laws for his truck John had borrowed and I had never noticed it before.
I had another one of those moments this week when I get down about the slow down in the China Adoption program. One night John and I were talking about whether we should switch programs and looked into other countries but we still feel the pull to China. We decided we would kind've wait and see and give it a year or so to see what is happening then. I went to bed feeling blue that night, I can't really explain what this feels like, maybe like wanting to get pregnant really bad but you keep trying and nothing happens. You just don't really know when it is going to happen. So when I woke up the next morning I was getting ready to go to clinical at 6 am and as I bent down to get my hair straightner I saw this keychain on the vanity. I had never seen this key chain before and it caught my attention because I saw a Bible verse and the word wait so I looked at it closely and read "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles..." Isiah 40:31. As I continued to get ready I thought about that verse and realized how God had placed that verse in my path and I smiled because it is what I have known all along. I have to trust God. I put my faith in him that everything with this adoption will happen according to his plan. I must trust and wait on him. I couldn't stop thinking about that verse and even thanked God on the way to the hospital for it, I have a feeling I will be thinking about that verse alot in the upcoming years as we wait for Ellery. And as for the keychain, it is my father in laws for his truck John had borrowed and I had never noticed it before.
February 8, 2008
9:27 AM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
This past week has been so busy. Between dental appointments, late start days, early release, preschool registration, my first theory test, a quiz , a change from trumpet to snare drum for Noah, and house decisions it has been non stop. Everything we had to do is done. The boys got into the preschool classes we wanted, I made a 90 on my first test (which is great bc 80% of my class failed), Noah is so thrilled with the drum that he completed a weeks worth of practice in 2 days and the house decisions were made ( with a little help).
The whole change with Noah's instrument choice was a hard decision. As a parent I wanted him to keep up with the trumpet and see it through to the end of the year but his band teacher suggested a change. Even though he did not test well to play the drums it seems that the desire to play the drums may compensate for the lack of natural talent. I hope he continues to love it and practice.
I had my first weekend of clinical and it went ok. I was the med nurse and had to give all meds (except IV ) to four patients. I never sleep well the night before clinical so I was exhausted. I think things went pretty well I am adjusting to my new clinical group and instructor. My instructor is very laid back, probally too much and I just wish I had a little more guidance, I am after all giving medications that could kill someone if I made a bad mistake. I am really impressed with LMC's medication system, it is much better than other systems I have used. Next week I am the team leader and will be assigning patients to my team and will have to be "in charge" of my team for the weekend.
The whole change with Noah's instrument choice was a hard decision. As a parent I wanted him to keep up with the trumpet and see it through to the end of the year but his band teacher suggested a change. Even though he did not test well to play the drums it seems that the desire to play the drums may compensate for the lack of natural talent. I hope he continues to love it and practice.
I had my first weekend of clinical and it went ok. I was the med nurse and had to give all meds (except IV ) to four patients. I never sleep well the night before clinical so I was exhausted. I think things went pretty well I am adjusting to my new clinical group and instructor. My instructor is very laid back, probally too much and I just wish I had a little more guidance, I am after all giving medications that could kill someone if I made a bad mistake. I am really impressed with LMC's medication system, it is much better than other systems I have used. Next week I am the team leader and will be assigning patients to my team and will have to be "in charge" of my team for the weekend.
February 2, 2008
8:41 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Lucky for us Mason now insists on feeding himself, I couldn't resist taking this after he ate some yogurt.
Wyatt is actually tickling his own feet. He is sooooo funny. We were sitting in the car for a long time waiting for John and this is how he entertained himself!
I love this picture of Noah playing the trumpet. I was so proud of him at this concert. He is really growing up!
He still has those cute little cheeks!
8:18 PM |
Posted by
Jennifer O'Cain
Through this process of adopting Ellery I have been in touch on a regular basis with several websites that are all about adopting from China and organizations that were formed to help the orphanages in China(and around the world). This week two requests were made on these websites and the stories broke my heart. In our warm, comfortable world it is hard to remember that so many people are without the most basic care and love. As you may be aware China is experiencing a horrible weather system that is dumping tons of snow and bad weather. Many families that were in China had trouble completing their adoptions but more importantly many orphans who remain in these orphanges are in a desperate situation. China never experiences this kind of weather so they are unprepared. These poor babies are in orphanges with no heat, and they are running out of food, diapers and other necessities because many of the area businesses are closed. There is a great organization called Half The Sky that has declared this an emergency, The director of the organization is in CHina right now trying to do what she can to help. It is so sad to think of those poor babies in that situation without a mommy or daddy to hold them and keep them warm. Thank God for people like Half The Sky. The other situation this week was with a donation drive with Love Without Boundaries. This is another organization that reaches out to orphans around the world. They were having a contest with other charities on Facebook. Whoever got the most donations won the contest and got $50,000. Well LWB won and 10 little orphans in China will recieve lifesaving surgeries. These stories really touched me and made me yearn for Ellery, even though I know she has probally not even been concieved yet it makes me sad to think of all the days she will have to spend in an orphange without the love of her forever family. If you think you would like to help these organizations check out their websites, they do wonderful things!
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